“There are fewer deaths of women and children in childbirth now because of the training and supervision of the matrons.”

Mali is among the poorest countries in the world.  Access to healthcare is limited. Traditional birthing practices are dangerous and unsanitary.

A midwife offers trainings to Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and over sees maternal and child health in eight villages that are not near a hospital.

VGIF provided a second grant to Medicine for Mali, supporting the continuous education of 15 matrons who were trained in 2009.  A midwife is circulating in 8 villages, providing vital time for previously trained TBAs to be nurtured individually, while they continue to learn by example and through dialogue and questions.

Their Mission

The aim is to continue to provide safer healthcare to women during pregnancy and delivery in an area that has no health care centers and limited transportation opportunities.

Just six months into the program a matron commented, “There are fewer deaths of women and children in childbirth now because of the training and supervision of the matrons.”

These brave women now have a midwife to monitor their work and assist them in honing their skills to the next level. This grant is giving the opportunity for TBAs to discuss and learn, in the field, from the midwife.

VGIF helped to facilitate an initiative to educate and prevent teenage pregnancy in targeted communities by funding a one-year program in Nyarushanje Sub County, Rukungiri District, Western Uganda entitled “Teenage Pregnancy Prevention and Sexual Reproductive Health/HIV/AIDS Education for Rural Girls” .

PeerLink Initiative Uganda (PELI-U) reached out to young girls in four school districts, conducting workshops and meetings for parents, teachers, and community members. Interested parties were provided opportunities to discuss sex education, a rarely discussed topic. Conversations were facilitated which led to participants feeling comfortable to ask questions and later speaking publicly and with one another.

One of the most important issues identified was where girls can get help, especially if they do not feel safe or comfortable discussing the subject in their own homes.  This helped give them a voice, instilling self-worth and confidence.

Sustainable Progress: Workshops continue, providing young girls, parents, teachers, and community members opportunities to take action and prevent the cycle of teenage pregnancy. Parents noted that they have been reminded of their responsibilities which they were taking for granted. Teachers noted that they too acknowledge their role in helping students/pupils to cope with challenges and imparting life skills.  There is need for collective effort of all stakeholders in addressing the problem. Parents have continued to consult PELI-U on issues affecting their youth. PELI-U is working closely with trained teachers to sensitize students and pupils in other schools.

“Educating the girl child is vital in equipping her with knowledge and skills to utilize in self- improvement, decision making and national development.”

One Girl’s Story My step mother would abuse me day and night, I was frustrated and wanted to run away from home but I didn’t know where to go. I started going to PeerLink offices and at some stage I shared with the staff my story. They went and talked to my step mother and when my father came to the village they also talked to him. My step mother has changed and she no longer abuses me so much. I’m still worried of how my life will be but I now accept the situation I’m in and I’m ready to have my child.  I know it’s going to be difficult and I wish I had information about sex and relationships possibly things would be different.

Learn MORE about the PELI-U Project >> Peli-U VGIF/Partnership

An increasing number of youth and women are in need of livelihood support especially those in families affected by HIV/AIDS. High levels of poverty coupled with poor living conditions increase the risk of young people engaging in criminal and immoral behaviours.

In Ndoddo village, Kammengo-Mpigi District, where 50 youths were given bee hives to establish new apiaries, girls were trained in bee keeping, processing, and marketing skills. The first honey harvest is expected in March 2012. Candle-making is also planned. The project directly targets and works with vulnerable women, youth, and children in poor rural communities.

Bee-keeping has built teamwork among the women and youth – beneficiaries teamed up to hang their bee hives on another member’s land. They now all work together cooperatively. JOY-Uganda is now being consulted by other groups and used as a model by other community based initiatives in the district.

Justine with her new beehive

Seeding a new hive with bees wax

The Resource Center provides access to training materials

Their Mission
To promote sustainable development by empowering children, women and youth through integrated programs.

From the Beneficiaries
“Before I started bee keeping I had fear that the bee will beat me. But I’m surprised I even go closure to the hive and they do not attack me,” said Martha Kabunga.

While Ratifah Namazzi said, “I never knew bees/honey were so useful. Some people are already asking when we shall harvest so that we sell to them honey. I’m now assured of income.”

To Steven Mubiru, the project was an eye opener, “I’m happy that with bee keeping, we can develop other projects like candle making. That is making more money with small capital”.

“Bee keeping is an activity which can not stop me from doing other things, yet the benefit of honey also important to my children. Thanks to VGIF,” said Annet Nakiryowa.

The Way Forward
The introduction of the bee-keeping project to the young people and the community is the most appropriate approach to educate them to use their environment to improve incomes and health. In coming future programmes, JOY-Uganda will to put emphasis on sustainable income generating activities. JOY-Uganda also strives to seek support and intervention for children and orphans suffering from HIV/AIDS to ensure that they meet their health, education and nutrition needs.

Tippy taps made out of small three litre jersey cans are a simple and economical way to promote proper hand washing. Tippy top stands equipped with soap and dish racks have improved general health through reduction of diseases related to poor hygiene practices. Additionally five water jars have been constructed by women and youth of the community with locally available materials. Beneficiaries of the jars, selected by the community, are HIV/AIDS effected households.

The project has brought increased empowerment to the women of the community as evidence by Grace Kabahuma.

“Even women speak in public and their husbands listen! Since women are good nurturers and mothers, they know how to handle and manage the structures so well. That is the reason … why women constitute a large portion … on the trained committee. This strategy has empowered our women to stand for more posts … like chairpersons on the village council, community coordinators, and others.”

RECARE, an organization of poor women, is providing temporary housing for women and children who are victims of domestic or sexual violence. VGIF funding helps with providing income-generating skills and includes training in making apparel, prints, and fabrics. This project allows women to continue with their daily activities.

Their continuous efforts to increase their capacity, involve the community, work at the national level, immediately support women in need, and disseminate information about domestic violence is a beacon to all women everywhere.

“..it is felt with much joy for our organization to communicate with your organization that helps women around the world escape violence and poverty.”